Daman Challenge TriYAS 2019 | Yas Marina Circuit

Ninth edition of DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYas took place at Yas Marina Circuit on February 15

First ever female ProFIELD category was won by Jocelyn Brea, who crossed the line in 2 hours, 4 mins and 52 secs

More than 1,000 athletes, including many first-timers and international participants, took to the Circuit to run, cycle and swim

Abu Dhabi, February 16, 2019: Yas Marina Circuit yesterday saw a range of accomplished international athletes, aspiring amateur competitors, and everyone in between give their all at the ninth edition of the UAE’s favourite community health and fitness event – DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYAS!

Participating across a variety of entry categories, a range of athletes of all ages and abilities tested themselves in a combined run, swim and cycle across various distances, and this year’s edition saw the addition of a female ProFIELD, complementing the existing men’s category.

Nine leading UAE-based women triathletes joined ITU triathlete Jocelyn Brea from Venezuela for the first ever regional female elite race within the UAE. Jocelyn’s time of 2 hours, 4 mins and 52 seconds saw her beat all her fellow entrants as she crossed the finish line first.

One of the UAE’s biggest community mass participation sporting events, DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYAS attracted 1,000+ athletes who swam, cycled and ran at the world-famous F1® Circuit.

The event was open to all members of the community with a series of shorter courses aimed at first-timers (making up 25 per cent of all entries) as well as 100+ younger athletes, and this year saw people achieving their personal fitness goals across the board in yet another thrilling day, popular with competitors and spectators alike.

To assist all participants – from experienced triathletes to beginners – organisers and their supporters were provided with a huge range of activations, as well as food trucks during the event. Weary athletes were provided with access to on-site physiotherapy stations, and families enjoyed plenty of entertainment options in the public areas.

The DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYAS also saw the superhero-like feat of father and son #TeamAngelWolf completing the sixth leg of their incredible seven triathlons in seven emirates in seven days challenge. Nick Watson, and his son Rio, completed the 70.3-kilometre course in 9 hours – a superb achievement that inspired the whole community present at the Circuit.

National Health Insurance Company – Daman CEO, Dr Michael Bitzer, said: “The DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYAS is one of the largest annual mass participation sporting events in the Middle East and a great occasion for the whole family.

“As the UAE’s leading health insurance provider, we are delighted to show our full support for a wonderful community occasion that brings together dedicated athletes and keen amateurs of all ages and abilities.“

“Events like the DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYAS encourage people to explore to Yas Marina Circuit, one of Abu Dhabi’s landmark destinations, and achieve their fitness goals as well as experiencing for themselves the benefits of incorporating sports into your daily life.”

The winner of the ProFIELD Elite mens’ category was Reudi Wild, a Swiss national, who completed the 1,500-metre swim, 38-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run in 1 hour, 47 minutes and 33 seconds. The UAE was well represented again, with Emirati Faris Al Zaabi placing sixth overall with a time of 2 hours, 4 mins and 30 seconds.

Christophe Hobeika took victory in the male Sprint category, completing the shorter course of a 750-metre swim, 22-kilometre bike course and 5-kilometre run in 1 hour, 10 minutes and 8 seconds.

Juliette JannedOthee triumphed in the female Sprint category, taking 1 hour, 13 minutes and 37 seconds.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “The DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYAS is one of our most popular community events, and goes from strength to strength with each passing year.

“Innovation of the event and improvement of visitors’ experiences is something we focus on strongly and with our ninth edition, we certainly gave our range of local, regional and international competitors, and their families, a day to remember.“

“I would like to congratulate everyone that took part, and everyone should feel justifiably proud of their achievements. From our new female ProFIELD athletes to our junior racers – you are the lifeblood of the DAMAN CHALLENGE TriYAS and we look forward to welcoming even more entrants next year for our 10th anniversary edition.”